Types of Car Spare Keys

Whether you lost your key when you were grocery shopping or set it down to go get your coffee, the loss of keys to cars can happen. Keep an extra car key and check places where you often leave your keys.

Grocery stores like Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication equipment that can duplicate keys to homes, and occasionally keys for cars and key fobs. For more information and the latest prices for keys, check their website.

Valet keys

Valet keys are a form of car key that allows the vehicle to be driven but does not unlock a trunk or glove box. They are usually a cheaper alternative to a standard replacement key. They are usually employed by hotel valet parking attendants and repair shop mechanics to gain access to a customer's vehicle. They are also employed by private parties to gain access to cars when the remote key fob battery of the owner is dead.

The main reason for using a valet key is to stop theft. It is not unusual for valet parking attendants to take customers' vehicles for joyrides and the valet keys can be used as a deterrent by making it more difficult to steal the vehicle. Valet keys are also helpful for people who leave valuables in the boot or glovebox of their vehicles.

Modern valet keys retain the original functions of older key locks and are able to open the door of a driver, but not the lock that is on the center console or trunk. Certain luxury cars include security features like a restricted power output. This prevents the vehicle being started without the engine being turned off.

While these features are an important step in the right direction, the valet key isn't without its flaws. Some thieves know the limitations of these key fobs and can open them with the use of a Crowbar. Valet keys can also have weaker locks compared to standard replacement key fobs.

In certain situations the valet key may not work as expected in particular if it's been damaged or dropped. The key might stop working suddenly and the owner could need to contact an locksmith to get it replaced. It is important to ensure that you have a working spare key in the event of this problem.

Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you require an additional key for your vehicle or lost your Attendant Key. When you visit Mister Minit to repair your car key, it is helpful if you have the YEAR and MAKE of the vehicle you are using.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys are simple in design around the edges and are simple for locksmiths to make. They don't have a transponder, and so they do not require encoding. They are typically made of brass or nickel, making them sturdier and robust. They are also able to endure rough handling and severe usage.

A spare key can prevent you from losing your car and having to go through the trouble of having to re-key it. It is an ideal idea to keep one somewhere separate from your keychain so that it is easy to locate. It is possible to leave it with someone you trust who will drive your car in the event that you are locked out.

Many national chains of home improvement and hardware stores provide key duplication at reasonable costs. They typically have a device called KeyMe, which allows you to quickly duplicate your standard keys within minutes. You can find stores near you by visiting their website. Some of them can make key fobs to cars that have a push button start.

It is best to contact us prior to heading to a shop that offers these services. You can also check online to determine what kind of keys they can make. Certain locksmiths might not be able to make keys for locks with high security.

If you have a smart key, you'll have to purchase a replacement from the dealer. They must confirm that you are the owner of the vehicle before they create a new key for you. They will need proof of ownership like the registration or title to verify that.

If you own a traditional key, you can go to an auto parts store or locksmith. Both will be able to make your replacement key quickly and at a reasonable price. They can duplicate your original key or provide you with an unprogrammable, blank key. You will have to know the year and make of your vehicle to get a replacement key.

Transponder Keys

In contrast to traditional keys, which utilize metal contacts to open the lock or begin the car, transponder keys are equipped with an electronic microchip built into the head of the key. The microchip sends out an low-level radio signal each time the key is activated. The signal is the serial number that matches the key code stored in the computer of your vehicle. When the correct code is matched the immobilizer in your car disarms, allowing the engine to begin.

Transponder keys aren't just more secure, they also make it more difficult to duplicate the car key. Some cars won't start if you use the wrong key (except for those that are not transponder). These keys are the best option if want to minimize the risk of your vehicle being stolen or copied.

If you have lost or had your transponder keys stolen, you should get a spare made as soon as possible. Fortunately, a lot of locksmiths in the automotive field can swap your key fob or create keys that are blank and can be used in conjunction with a switchblade key in order to give you the same functionality as the original key.

Transponder key replacements can be expensive, but they are often cheaper than having your car towed after the theft. Additionally, it can be less time-consuming than visiting the dealership.

In addition to being able to replace the broken or lost key an automotive locksmith may also repair damaged ignitions as well as other parts of your vehicle. They can duplicate keys for various types of automobiles and makes and are a great option if you require replacement of your spare or lost it.

It's essential to keep your spare car keys secure and not on your keychain. This will prevent you from accidentally losing or misplacing it, and it will also aid in finding your car in case you're in a rush. If you're worried about putting your spare key in a public area, you can keep it hidden beneath the dashboard or in a secure compartment of your vehicle.

Remote Keys

Modern cars need the use of a key fob in addition to the traditional car key. Key fobs are tiny transmitter that looks more like an iphone than a car key. A key fob can unlock and lock your car key spares by pressing a single button. You can also start your car remotely.

Some cars offer the option to "summon" your vehicle by pressing a single button similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is useful for those who need to get into a congested parking space.

Sometimes, car keys aren't working at the most inconvenient time. You might be at a gas station, heading to get groceries, or simply driving home after an exhausting day. You put your keys down for just one second only to realize that you didn't carry a spare key with you. It can be quite frustrating! Most of our stores can repair and replace keys on the spot.

If your car is equipped with an electronic remote key, it has a chip that needs to programmed. Most of our Mister Minit locations have the equipment necessary to duplicate the transponder key of your car. We can duplicate your transponder car keys while you wait. This usually takes less than 30 minutes. You'll have plenty of time to run errands before picking up the keys.

Bring your key to one of our stores to have it duplicated. To duplicate the correct fob or key, we will need to know your vehicle's year, make spare car key, and MODEL.

Visit your local Mister Minit today if you require a spare car keys or you wish to feel secure. We'll have the tools and know-how to create an extra car spare key key that can last a lifetime. Be sure to keep it safe!